Pakistan: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday (October 30) announced various initiatives to support minorities in the state as she participated in the Diwali celebrations held at 90-Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Maryam Nawaz also revealed that she had written a letter to the CM of India's Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann to undertake joint efforts to eliminate smog. She urged citizens to view the issue of smog as a humanitarian concern instead of a political one as she expressed her determination to safeguard the rights of minorities.
During the ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz announced issuance of special cards for the minority communities, and the setting-up of a Minority Virtual Police Station. She further spoke about the state government's plans to improve the development in minority areas.
She lit a traditional Diwali lamp and also participated in virtual fireworks. The Punjab CM interacted closely with Hindu women and distributed cheques of Rs. 15,000 to 1,400 Hindu families, news agency Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Assuring support to the minority communities while addressing the gathering, she said: "If anyone commits atrocities against minorities, I will stand with the victim. We are all Pakistanis, and Diwali symbolizes peace, harmony, and love."
Maryam Nawaz Sharif was elected as the CM of Punjab earlier this year. She assumed office in February 2024, scripting history for becoming the first woman to serve as a CM in any province of Pakistan.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, she said: "I felt immense happiness lighting the Diwali lamp. It symbolizes our unity as Pakistanis." She also shared her childhood teachings as she recalled how her father Nawaz Sharif taught her to treat minorities as a source of pride. Maryam stressed that all religious celebrations would be honored collectively, the report noted.
Addressing the safety concerns faced by minorities, she directed police to ensure that they provide immediate security in case of threats and underscored that Islam teaches respect and protection for everyone, including minorities.
In a major announcement, she stated that the Minority Card, which would be launched on December 20, will provide Rs. 10,500 to the needy families every three months. She added that the assistance and number of beneficiaries under this card would increase with time, and that special provisions for differently-abled members of minority communities will also be included.
The Punjab CM recounted her experiences with Sikh pilgrims and thanked the diplomats from various countries for participating in the Diwali celebrations.
During the Diwali event, a Hindu Pandit named Kashi Ram performed prayers and Diwali rituals. He even made a special prayer for Pakistan's development and stability.
Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan Kheal Das paid tribute for celebrating Diwali for the first time at an official level, saying that there is no hatred in Pakistan. Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora also addressed the gathering at the ceremony, which was attended by Minority assembly members and Hindu community that participated in large numbers. Provincial cabinet members, Chief Secretary, and other senior officers were also present in the Diwali ceremony.